Hon. Ravindra Bandara

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, during this debate on the Ministry of Power and Energy, listening to Opposition speeches, we are surprised. They question as if we ruled in the recent past, not them. Many nice stories were told—why did they not implement them then? Also, some blatant lies were told; I will respond with evidence.

¶ 02 On wind power: In 2003, USAID-supported Emerald carried out a study with recommendations. Today, total demand is about 5,000–6,000 MW. How much wind can we harness? Land-based around 20,000 MW; lagoon-based around 4,000 MW; offshore/sea-based bringing total wind potential to about 50,000 MW. That means, from wind alone we could produce surplus electricity for export. While we talk of agriculture, industry and tourism to grow revenue, we also have immense power generation potential from wind and solar. With about 13,500 hectares, Sri Lanka’s entire demand can be met from solar. To those who ruled for years and now lecture—what did you do with these two resources?

¶ 03 When problems arise, the Opposition seems to enjoy it. When talk of fuel queues emerged, they were happy; they spread stories about post-8 p.m. shortages and QR failures. They do not care about the national loss from panic. That shows their contradictions.

¶ 04 On electricity: solar generates more in daytime; demand is higher at night; solar cannot produce at night. They say use batteries. Indeed, wind, solar, battery systems, and pumped storage are now coming to implementation.

¶ 05 Someone spoke of hydrogen. I ask: what did you do all this time? Like other sectors—rice, coconut—short-term fixes are sought. We had eggs, then coconuts, then rice issues. Now even the Opposition Leader talks of national security crises. Some are now fixated on the “monkey” incident; they worry more about how foreign investors will see mention of a monkey. But if a system collapses due to a monkey, who maintained the system to be that fragile? That is the issue.

¶ 06 What have we done to keep the system stable? We are planning to use wind and solar not only for hydrogen but also for ammonia and then urea. A strategic plan is underway. So while accusations are made, remember many problems were created by you.

¶ 07 On Expression of Interest: 47 EOIs were received. You started aiming for 3,000 MW; but your own Act invalidated them leaving investors stranded. We will not abandon them; we will restructure to realize the 3,000 MW. On the temple solar panels you mentioned: we will adjust capacities and do what is needed. But why were most given in Matara alone? That is another issue.

¶ 08 Remember: Sri Lanka must become South Asia’s energy hub. We are doing it practically. Demand grows about 5 per cent annually. We are planning a future with no power cuts, using global technology and AI tools to forecast and manage solar variability.

¶ 09 You ruined this sector and the country; now you question our five months. Singapore, which we admired, rose; Japan we were comparable to has gone ahead. Those who pulled Sri Lanka down now question us. We will solve this. We will build a “Prosperous Country – Beautiful Life” under the NPP Government. Thank you.